The City Council approved a resolution on Feb. 14 authorizing the City Manager to enter into Advanced Funding Agreements (AFA) with the Texas Department of Transportation for traffic signal detection upgrades and pedestrian signal installations as part of the Federal Highway Department’s Carbon Reduction Program (CRP).
The traffic signal detection upgrades will involve enhancing the vehicle detection system at intersections along North Palace Avenue, Front Street (SH 31), and Glenwood Boulevard (US 69).
These upgrades aim to improve traffic signal coordination and reduce transportation emissions. The total reimbursable costs for this project are estimated at $1,045,034.07.
The intersections included in this project are:
- North Palace Avenue at West Bow Street
- North Palace Avenue at West Oakwood Street
- North Palace Avenue at West Erwin Street
- Palace Avenue at West Front Street
- West Front Street at South Vine Avenue
- West Front Street at South Bonner Avenue
- East Front Street at South Fannin Avenue
- East Front Street at South Beckham Avenue
- South Glenwood Boulevard at West Front Street
- South Glenwood Boulevard at West Erwin Street
- South Glenwood Boulevard at West Houston Street
The pedestrian signal installation project will include the installation of pedestrian signal heads, accessible pedestrian push buttons, curb ramps, and conduits as needed at five existing signalized intersections.
This project aims to enhance mobility and safety for pedestrians while also reducing transportation emissions. The total reimbursable costs for this project are estimated at $1,167,876.61.
- The intersections included in this project are:
- Front Street and Beckham Avenue
- Glenwood Boulevard and Front Street
- 5th Street and Beckham Avenue
- South Broadway Avenue and Loop 323
- Old Jacksonville Highway and Sunnybrook Drive
The CRP was established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
The law seeks to reduce transportation emissions and has allocated funds to Metropolitan Planning Organizations, with the Texas Department of Transportation responsible for program administration.
The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization amended the Transportation Improvement Program on July 27, 2023, to specify projects for the CRP. The two projects mentioned above have been programmed and are currently in the design phase.
While the CRP typically requires a 20 percent local match in funding, the locations of these projects qualified for the use of Transportation Development Credits instead. If additional funding is needed, it will be sourced from The Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund.
